Bangladesh has secured the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) Locally Led Adaptation (LLA) championship Award in the category of Innovation in Developing Finance during the ongoing climate conference, COP28 in Dubai, UAE.

The initiative is carried out under the Local Government Initiative on Climate Change (LoGIC) Project, a joint endeavour implemented by the Local Government Division, supported by the European Union, Sweden, Denmark, United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The awards-giving ceremony, held at the Resilience Hub on Tuesday, marked the recognition of Bangladesh's stellar contributions to local adaptation and resilience building.

The GCA LLA Champions Awards, initiated in 2022, aim to spotlight creative, admirable, and scalable locally-led projects addressing the impacts of climate change, with a focus on supporting vulnerable groups and populations dealing with pressing environmental challenges.

The award was for the innovative approach to developing finance.

Dr Farhina Ahmed, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, received the award on behalf of the Local Government Division, Ministry of Local Government Rural Development and Cooperatives of Bangladesh.

Nearly 2 million people benefited under the project, spanning nine major climate-vulnerable districts in Bangladesh, empowering over 400,000 households to better prepare for the effects of climate change. These communities can now invest in climate-resilient livelihoods, diversify their sources of income, and access markets and financing to enhance adaptive practices.

UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative Stefan Liller said: “The recognition of the Local Government Initiative on Climate Change (LoGIC) Project reflects Bangladesh's steadfast commitment to locally-led adaptation and resilience. This award acknowledges the dedication of the Local Government Division and its development partners and exemplifies the power of innovation in addressing climate challenges. UNDP remains committed to supporting transformative initiatives that empower communities and contribute to a sustainable and resilient future.” 

The GCA Awards not only celebrate the achievements of the winners but also highlight the collective efforts to address climate change at the local level.

These initiatives significantly contribute to building resilience and adapting to the impacts of climate change, embodying the spirit of collaboration and innovation essential for a sustainable future.